Pronunciation: pen-tox-IH-fi-leen
Generic Name: Pentoxifylline
Brand Name: Pentoxil or Trental
Pentoxifylline is used for:
Treating intermittent claudication (pain, cramping, numbness, or weakness in the foot, hip, thigh, or buttocks) in certain patients. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Pentoxifylline is a xanthine derivative blood flow enhancer. It works by thinning the blood and improving red blood cell flexibility, causing the blood to flow more freely through the veins.
Do NOT use Pentoxifylline if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Pentoxifylline or to methylxanthines (eg, theophylline, caffeine, theobromine)
- you have had recent bleeding in the brain or eye
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Pentoxifylline:
Some medical conditions may interact with Pentoxifylline. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have ulcers, blood vessel problems, high blood pressure, kidney problems, or a history of bleeding in the eye
- if you have recently had surgery
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Pentoxifylline. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or theophyllines because the risk of side effects, such as bleeding or toxic effects, may be increased
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Pentoxifylline may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Pentoxifylline:
Use Pentoxifylline as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Take Pentoxifylline by mouth with food or milk.
- Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
- If you miss a dose of Pentoxifylline, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Pentoxifylline.
Important safety information:
- Pentoxifylline may cause dizziness or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Pentoxifylline with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Pentoxifylline before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
- It may take 2 to 4 weeks to notice improvement in your condition, and up to 8 weeks for maximum relief.
- Use Pentoxifylline with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Pentoxifylline while you are pregnant. Pentoxifylline is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Pentoxifylline.
Possible side effects of Pentoxifylline:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Belching; bloating; blurred vision; diarrhea; dizziness; flushing; gas; headache; indigestion; nausea; stomach discomfort.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; irregular heartbeat; vomiting.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Pentoxifylline side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include agitation; dizziness; drowsiness; fever; flushing; loss of consciousness; seizures.
Proper storage of Pentoxifylline:
Store Pentoxifylline at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Pentoxifylline out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Pentoxifylline, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Pentoxifylline is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Pentoxifylline. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Pentoxifylline resources
- Pentoxifylline Side Effects (in more detail)
- Pentoxifylline Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Pentoxifylline Drug Interactions
- Pentoxifylline Support Group
- 2 Reviews for Pentoxifylline - Add your own review/rating
- Pentoxifylline Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Pentoxifylline Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
- Pentoxifylline Monograph (AHFS DI)
- pentoxifylline Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- pentoxifylline Concise Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)
- Pentoxil Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Trental Prescribing Information (FDA)
Compare Pentoxifylline with other medications
- Intermittent Claudication
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